Tensions high among Mo. lawmakers over teacher tenure discussion.

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Intro:	Lawmakers tensions were fueled this morning...but not over legislation.
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Wrap: An argument over lawmaker's conduct created more of a spectacle than the packed hearing room expected.

After hearing from a former St. Louis teacher, democratic representative Jeff Roorda questioned her allegiance.

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Description: "I guess I would say, are you sure, because you're very polished, you seem like a professional witness, are you sure you're not being compensated or anything?"

Republican Representative Jay Barnes jumped in after Roorda's comments.

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Description: "Mr. Chairman, I would hope that in the future this committee would refrain from taking pot shots at lay witnesses... that was uncalled for, she's not a lobbyist, if you want to take a pot shot, save it for a lobbyist."

The two representatives then both stepped out of the hearing room.

From the state Capitol, I'm Christine Roto.

Intro:	Teachers and other school officials came forward on both sides of a discussion about teacher tenure.
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Wrap: The bill would change the evaluations of teachers for obtaining and keeping tenure, along with other changes.

Mike Wood is a director from the Missouri State Teachers Association who spoke in opposition of the bill.

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Description: "Look I'm not sure where the outcry came for this bill from, I'm sure it was not from school districts, principals, superintendents, or teachers.

Wood also says he doesn't think tenure has any effect on teacher performance.

In response, a Republican representative says the importance of teachers is a reason why effectiveness should be the number one measure to keep a teacher.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christine Roto.

Intro:	An education bill brought teachers to the Capitol to support changes to teacher tenure.
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Wrap: The bill's sponsor says it sets up a framework for local districts to choose how they want their teachers evaluated.

After the teachers are evaluated, he says there would be more requirements for a teacher to obtain and keep their tenure.

A former St. Louis teacher says the most important part of the bill is eliminating the 'last in first out' notion of firing teachers.

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Description: "Additionally, to get rid of a driven teacher who helps student succeed, while allowing a tenure teacher who's providing mediocre instruction to remain in the classroom, is completely unacceptable."

An opponent of the bill says it would eliminate seniority, which is an important part of the profession.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christine Roto.

Intro:	An education bill brought out concern from lawmakers over teacher tenure changes.
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Wrap: The bill's sponsor says it will sets up a framework for local districts to choose how they want their teachers tenure to be evaluated.

Democratic St. Louis city representative Michael Butler says they will not have the resources to hire new teachers if a large amount of ineffective teachers are fired from his area.

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Description: "We have the lowest teacher salary in the entire state, and we can't compete with any other school district."

A tenured teacher and supporter of the bill says it will hold teachers to a higher standard and eliminate mediocrity.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Christine Roto.